Gov't militia killed in Zambo Sur attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines   - A former insurgent turned government militia died was after he was attacked by heavily armed men, believed to be his former comrades, in a village of Molave town, Zamboanga del Sur, according to the police.

Police Superintendent Christine Tan, Molave chief of police, identified the victim as Danny Alvarico, a member of the 7th Mobile Civilian Active Auxiliary Company (CAAC), and a resident of sitio Bugwak, Barangay Lower Dimalinao, Molave town.

Tan said the victim was believed to be sleeping when the gunmen  with AK-47 and M16 rifles barged inside his house about 5:30 a.m. Thursday, firing at the victim.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot while the gunmen quickly escaped toward unknown direction before the arrival of the responding police forces.

Tan said they were trying to ascertain the motive of the attack.

“But the victim was a former rebel who surrendered and joined the government militia,” Tan said.

The police station commander said they have issued an alert in the town of Molave following reports of the communist rebels’ presence in the area.